A
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy him for ever.
1.1. Is man a reasonable creature? Yes: for there is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding, Job 32:8. Has he greater capacities than the brutes? Yes: for God teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven, Job 35:11.
1.2. Is man his own maker? No: it is God that hath made us, and not we our selves, Ps 100:3. Is he then his own master? No: there is a Lord over us, Ps 12:4. Is he his own carver? No: should it be according to thy mind, Job 34:33. Is he his own end? No: for none of us lives to himself, or dies to himself, Rom 14:7.
1.3. Is it your business in the world to serve the flesh? No: for we are not debtors to the flesh, that we should live after the flesh, Rom 8:12. Is it to pursue the world? No: for we are not of the world, John 17:16.
1.4. Is your happiness bound up in the creature? No: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit, Eccles 1:14. Will the riches of the world make you happy? No: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth, Luke 12:15. Will the praise and applause of men make you happy? No: for it is vainglory, Gal 5:26. Will sport and pleasure make you happy? No: for the wise man said of laughter, It is mad, and of mirth, What doth it? Eccles 2:2. Can the gain of the world make you happy? No: for what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Matt 16:26.
1.5. Is God then your chief end? Yes: for of him, and through him, and to him, are all things, Rom 11:36. Were you
made for him? Yes: this people have I formed for myself, Isa 43:21. Were you redeemed for him? Yes: ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price, 1 Cor 6:19-20.
1.6. Is it your chief business to glorify God? Yes: we must glorify God in our body and in our spirit, which are God's, 1 Cor 6:20. Must this be ultimately designed in all our actions? Yes: do all to the glory of God, 1 Cor 10:31. Is God glorified by our praises? Yes: he that offers praise, glorifies me, Ps 50:23. And is he glorified by our works? Yes: herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, John 15:8.
1.7. Is God your chief good? Yes: for happy is the people whose God is the Lord, Ps 144:15. Does all good come from him? Yes: for with him is the fountain of life, Ps 36:9. And is all good enjoyed in him? Yes: the Lord is the portion of my inheritance, and of my cup, Ps 16:5.
1.8. Is it your chief happiness then to have God's favour? Yes: for in his favour is life, Ps 30:5. Is that the most desirable good? Yes: for his lovingkindness is better than life, Ps 63:3. Do you desire it above any good? Yes: Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us, Ps 4:6-7. And should you give all diligence to make it sure? Yes: herein we labour, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of the Lord, 2 Cor 5:9.
1.9. Is communion with God in grace here the best pleasure? Yes: it is good for me to draw near to God, Ps 73:28. Is the vision and fruition of God in glory hereafter the best portion? Yes: for in his presence there is fulness of joy, Ps 16:11. Will you therefore set your heart upon this chief good? Yes: Lord, whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee; when my flesh and my heart fail, God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever, Ps 73:25-26.
Q. 2. What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
A. The word of God (which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament) is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
2.1. Do we need a rule to direct us to our chief end? Yes: for we all like sheep have gone astray, Isa 53:6. Could we not find it out of ourselves? No: for man is born like the wild ass's colt, Job 11:12.
2.2. Is divine revelation necessary to religion? Yes: for faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, Rom 10:17. Is not the light of nature sufficient without it? No: for the world by wisdom knew not God, 1 Cor 1:21. Has God therefore given us a revelation? Yes: he hath showed thee, O man, what is good, Mic 6:3. Was there revelation from the beginning? Yes: at sundry times, and in divers manners, God spake unto the fathers, Heb 1:1.
2.3. Are the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament the word of God, and a divine revelation? Yes: for all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, 2 Tim 3:16. Were they indited by the blessed Spirit? Yes: for holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet 1:21. Were they confirmed by miracles? Yes; God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders, Heb 2:4. Do they recommend themselves? Yes; for the word of God is quick and powerful, Heb 4:12. Is not the Bible then a cheat put upon the world? No: for these are not the words of him that hath a devil, John 10:21.
2.4. Was the book of the Scripture written for our use? Yes: whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, Rom 15:4. And is it of great use? Yes: for it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Tim 3:16.
2.5. Are the Scriptures the great support of our religion? Yes: for we are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Eph 2:20. Are they the standing rule of our faith and practice? Yes: we must have recourse to the law and to the testimony. Isa 8:20. Are they the only rule? Yes: for other foundation can no man lay, 1 Cor 3:11. Are they our guide? Yes; for the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light,
Prov 6:23. Do they show us the way to heaven and happiness? Yes: for in them we think we have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Christ, John 5:39.
2.6. Are the Scriptures our oracle which we must consult? Yes: What is written in the law, how readest thou? Luke 10:26. Are they our touchstone which we must try by? Yes: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them, Isa 8:20. Are they the weapons of our spiritual warfare? Yes: Get thee hence, Satan, for it is written, Matt 4:10; Eph 6:17.
2.7. Is the written word a sufficient rule? Yes: for the law of the Lord is perfect, Ps 19:7. Is it plain? Yes: for the word is nigh thee, Rom 10:8. Is the church's authority the rule of our faith? No: for our faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, 1 Cor 2:5. May we depend upon unwritten traditions? No: for we must refuse profane and old wives' fables, 1 Tim 4:7.
2.8. Will the written word be the rule of our judgment hereafter? Yes: for we must be judged by the law of liberty, James 2:12. Ought we therefore to be ruled by it now? Yes: as many as walk according to this rule, peace shall be on them, Gal 6:16. And to be comforted by it? Yes: for through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we have hope, Rom 15:4.
2.9. Are the Scriptures to be translated into vulgar tongues? Yes: for we should hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God, Acts 2:11. And must we study them? Yes: Search the Scriptures, John 5:39. And labour to understand them? Yes: Understandest thou what thou readest? Acts 8:30. And must we rest satisfied with this revelation of God's will? Yes: for if we believe not Moses and the prophets, neither would we be persuaded though one rose from the dead, Luke 16:31. Is it a great affront to God to neglect his word? Yes: I have written unto them the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing, Hos 8:12.
2.10. Must little children get the knowledge of the Scripture? Yes: Timothy is commended for this, that from a child he knew the Holy Scriptures, 2 Tim 3:15. And must their parents instruct them therein? Yes: they must teach them diligently unto their children, and talk of them, Deut 6:7.
2.11. Must we all love the word of God? Yes: O how love I thy law! And must we meditate therein? Yes: It is my meditation all the day, Ps 119:97. And will this be to our own advantage? Yes: for it is able to make us wise to salvation, 2 Tim 3:15.
Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?
A. The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
3.1. Is it necessary that we have a faith concerning God? Yes: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him, Heb 11:6. Can we have that faith without being taught? No: for how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? Rom 10:14. And have they not heard? Yes: verily their sound went into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world, Rom 10:18.
3.2. Is not the knowledge of God a great privilege? Yes: for this is life eternal, to know thee the only true God, John 17:3. Is it not the best knowledge? Yes: for the knowledge of the holy is understanding, Prov 9:10. Does the Scripture teach us that knowledge? Yes: for if we receive those words, and hide those commandments with us, then shall we understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God, Prov 2:1,5.
3.3. Do not the works of creation prove that there is a God? Yes: for we understand by the things that are made his eternal power and godhead, Rom 1:20. And do not the works of providence prove it? Yes: for verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth, Ps 58:11. But do not the Scriptures tell us best what God is? Yes; for no man hath seen God at any time, the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him, John 1:18.
3.4. Are we all concerned to get the knowledge of God? Yes: we should all know him, from the least even to the
greatest, Heb 8:11. Must children get that knowledge? Yes: I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father, 1 John 2:13. And must we all grow in that knowledge? Yes: we must follow on to know the Lord, Hos 6:3.
3.5. Are we to believe what the Scripture reveals concerning God? Yes: for these things are written that we may believe, John 20:31. And must we believe all that the Scripture reveals? Yes: Believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets, Acts 24:14. Must we believe that which is not revealed? No: for the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God, 1 Cor 2:11.
3.6. Does God require duty of man? Yes: for unto man he said, Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil, that is understanding, Job 28:28. Is it enough to believe the truth revealed, if we do not the duty that is required? No: for faith without works is dead, James 2:26. Is it enough to do the duty required, though we do not believe the truth revealed? No: for he that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, 1 John 5:10.
3.7. Does the Scripture teach us what duty God requires? Yes: He has showed thee what the Lord thy God requires of thee, Mic 6:8. And must we do the duty that the Scripture teaches? Yes: we must observe to do according to all that is written therein, and not turn from it to the right hand, or to the left, Josh 1:7. Must this obedience always accompany faith? Yes: for they which have believed in God must be careful to maintain good works, Titus 3:8.
Q. 4. What is God?
A. God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
4.1. Is God a Spirit? Yes: for Christ himself has said, God is a Spirit, John 4:24. Is he a pure Spirit? Yes: for God is light, and with him is no darkness at all, 1 John 1:5. Has he a body as we have? No: Hast thou eyes of flesh? or seest thou as a man seeth? Job 10:4. Can he be seen with bodily eyes? No: for he is one whom no man hath seen, or can see, 1 Tim 6:16. Are not the angels spirits? Yes: he maketh his angels spirits, Ps 104:4. Are not the souls of men spirits? Yes: for he formeth the spirit of man within him, Zech 12:1. But is God a Spirit like unto them? No: for he is the Father of spirits, Heb 12:9.
4.2. Is God infinite? Yes: for we cannot by searching find out God, Job 11:7. Is he contained in any place? No: for the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, 1 Kings 8:27. Is he every where present? Yes: for whither can we go from his Spirit, or flee from his presence? Ps 139:7. Can any hide himself in secret places that God shall not see him? No: for do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord, Jer 23:24.
4.3. Is God eternal? Yes: from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God, Ps 90:2. Had he beginning of days? No: for he is the Ancient of days, Dan 7:9. Shall there be any end of his life? No: for he is the same, and his years have no end, Ps 102:27. Is there with him any succession of time? No: for his days are not as the days of man, Job 10:5. Can he die? No: he is the only potentate, that hath immortality, 1 Tim 6:16.
4.4. Is God unchangeable? Yes: for he is the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, nor shadow of turning, James 1:17. Is there any decay of his perfections? No: for he fainteth not, neither is weary, Isa 40:28. Is there any alteration in his counsels? No: for he is not a man that he should repent, 1 Sam 15:29. Is it well for us that he is unchangeable? Yes: I am the Lord, I change not, therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed, Mal 3:6.
4.5. Is God infinite in his being? Yes: for he has said, I AM THAT I AM, Exod 3:14. Is he self-existent? Yes: for the Father hath life in himself, John 5:26. Is he the best of beings? Yes: for who is a God like unto him? Exod 15:11. Is he the first of causes? Yes: for he is the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him, 1 Cor 8:6. Is he the highest of powers? Yes: for he
is King of kings, and Lord of lords, 1 Tim 6:15.
4.6. Is he a God of perfect knowledge? Yes: for his understanding is infinite, Ps 147:5. Can any thing be hid from him? No: for all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do, Heb 4:13. Does he know things to come? Yes: for he declareth the end from the beginning, Isa 46:10. Does he know our hearts? Yes: for he understandeth our thoughts afar off, Ps 139:2. Does he know all our actions? Yes: for his eyes are upon the ways of man, Job 34:21.
4.7. Is God infinitely wise? Yes: for wisdom and might are his, Dan 2:20. Are all his works wisely done? Yes: in wisdom he hath made them all, Ps 104:24. And particularly the work of redemption? Yes: for it is the wisdom of God in a mystery, 1 Cor 2:7. Can the wisdom of God's counsels be fathomed? No: O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! Rom 11:33.
4.8. Is he a God of power? Yes: God hath spoken once, twice have I heard this, that power belongeth unto God, Ps 62:11. Is he Almighty? Yes: he is the Lord God Almighty, Rev 15:3. Is his power irresistible? Yes: for none can stay his hand, Dan 4:35. Is his sovereignty incontestable? Yes: for he giveth not account of any of his matters, Job 33:13. Is any thing too hard for him? No: for with God all things are possible, Matt 19:26.
4.9. Is he a God of perfect holiness? Yes: for holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts, Isa 6:3. Is there iniquity with God? No: he is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, Heb 1:13. Is this his glory? Yes: for he is glorious in holiness, Exod 15:11. And must we give him the glory of it? Yes: give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness, Ps 30:4. And must we study herein to resemble him? Yes: Be ye holy, for I am holy, 1 Pet 1:16.
4.10. Is he a just and righteous Governor? Yes: the Lord is righteous in all his ways, Ps 145:17. Did he ever do wrong to any of his creatures? No: there is no unrighteousness in him, Ps 92:15. And does justice please him? Yes: the righteous Lord loveth righteousness, Ps 11:7.
4.11. Is he a merciful God? Yes: he is the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, Exod 34:6. And a good God? Yes: thou art good, and dost good, Ps 119:68. Is he universally good? Yes: for he is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works, Ps 145:9. Is he in a special manner good to his own people? Yes: for truly God is good to Israel, Ps 73:1. And should we acquaint ourselves with his goodness? Yes: O taste, and see that the Lord is good, Ps 34:8.
4.12. Is he a God of truth? Yes: the truth of the Lord endures for ever, Ps 117:2. Will he perform all his promises? Yes: for he is faithful that hath promised, Heb 10:23. Is there any danger of his deceiving us? No: it is impossible for God to lie, Heb 6:18.
4.13. Is this a complete description of God? No: for, lo, these are but part of his ways; and how little a portion is heard of him! Job 26:14. Must we therefore always speak of God with reverence? Yes: for behold God is great, and we know him not, Job 36:26. And must we pray to him to teach us what we shall say? Yes: for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness, Job 37:19.
Q. 5. Are there more Gods than one?
A. There is but one only, the living and true God.
5.1. Are there many gods? No: for though there be that are called gods, yet there is but one God, 1 Cor 8:5-6. Can there be any but one? No: for he has said, I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Isa 46:9. Are you sure there is but one? Yes: for the Lord our God is one Lord and there is none other but he, Mark 12:29,32.
5.2. Is the God whom we serve that one God? Yes: for Jehovah he is God, Jehovah he is God, 1 Kings 18:39. Is he infinitely above all pretenders? Yes: for he is a great King above all gods, Ps 95:3. Is he God alone? Yes: O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, thou art the God, even thou alone, Isa 37:16. Are all
other gods false gods? Yes: for all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens, Ps 96:5.
5.3. Is our God the true God? Yes: the Lord he is the true God, Jer 10:10. Is he the only true God? Yes: this is life eternal, to know the only true God, John 17:3. Is he the living God? Yes: the living God, and an everlasting King, Jer 10:10. Is he the Sovereign Lord? Yes: for he is God over all, blessed for evermore, Rom 9:5. Is this one God enough? Yes: for he is God All-Sufficient, Gen 17:1.
5.4. Is the Lord Jehovah the maker of all things? Yes: he is the everlasting God, even the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, Isa 40:28. Is he your Maker? Yes: he is the Lord our Maker, Ps 95:6. Is he the owner of all things? Yes: for he is the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth, Gen 14:19. Is he your rightful owner? Yes: we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand, Ps 95:7. Is he the ruler of all things? Yes: for his kingdom ruleth over all, Ps 103:19. Is he your ruler? Yes: O Lord, truly I am thy servant, I am thy servant, Ps 116:16. Is he the benefactor of all the creatures? Yes: for he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things, Acts 17:25. Is he your benefactor? Yes: for he daily loadeth us with his benefits, Ps 68:19. Shall he therefore be yours by your own consent? Yes: O God, thou art my God, Ps 63:1.
Q. 6. How many persons are there in the Godhead?
A. There are three persons in the Godhead; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God; the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
6.1. Are there three gods? No: for the Lord is one, and his name one, Zech 14:9. Is there more than one person in the Godhead? Yes: for God said, Let us make man, Gen 1:26. Are there distinct persons in the Godhead? Yes: for he who is the brightness of his Father's glory, is the express image of his person, Heb 1:3. Are there three persons in the Godhead? Yes: for there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, 1 John 5:7.
6.2. Is the Father God? Yes: for there is one God and Father of all, Eph 4:6. Is Jesus Christ the Word? Yes: his name is called the Word of God, Rev 19:13. Is the Word God? Yes: for in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, John 1:1. Is the Holy Ghost a divine person? Yes: for the Spirit searcheth all things, 1 Cor 2:10.
6.3. Is it the personal property of the Father to beget the Son? Yes: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee, Ps 2:7. Is it the personal property of the Son to be begotten of the Father? Yes: for he is the only-begotten of the Father, John 1:14. Is it the personal property of the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son? Yes: for Christ says, I will send you the Comforter, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, John 15:26.
6.4. Are these three one God? Yes: for it is said expressly, these three are one, 1 John 5:7. Are they the same in substance, and equal in power and glory? Yes: for Christ says, I and my Father are one, John 10:30. Can this doctrine be measured by reason? No: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it to us, Matt 16:17. But ought we to believe it? Yes: for we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Matt 28:19, and we are blessed with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, 2 Cor 13:14. And ought we to improve it? Yes: that we all may be one, as the Father is in Christ, and he in the Father, that we also may be one in them, John 17:21.
Q. 7. What are the decrees of God?
A. The decrees of God are his eternal purposes, according to the counsel of his own will: whereby for his own glory he hath foreordained whatever comes to pass.
7.1. Does God dispose of all things that come to pass? Yes: My times are in thy hand, Ps 31:15. Does he do it according
to his own will? Yes: for he hath done whatsoever he pleased, Ps 115:2. Can any control his will? No: for he doth according to his will in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, Dan 4:35. Has he determined before what he will do? Yes: for known unto God are all his works, from the beginning of the world, Acts 15:18.
7.2. Is there a counsel then in all the will of God? Yes: for he worketh all things after the counsel of his own will, Eph 1:11. Is it an eternal counsel? Yes: for it was ordained before the world, 1 Cor 2:7. Is it free? Yes: Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight, Matt 11:26. Is it unchangeable? Yes: The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, Ps 33:11. Is it for his own glory? Yes: that we should be to the praise of his glory, Eph 1:12.
7.3. Were all the events of time ordained from eternity? Yes: He performeth the thing that is appointed for me, Job 23:14. Does any thing come to pass by chance? No: for the lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord, Prov 16:33. Does every thing come to pass as God has ordained it? Yes: for there are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand, Prov 19:21.
7.4. Can we search out God's counsels? No: for his judgments are a great deep, Ps 36:6. Ought we not therefore to acquiesce in them? Yes: Here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him, 2 Sam 15:26. May we question God's proceedings? No: for his thoughts are above our thoughts, Isa 55:9.
Q. 8. How does God execute his decrees?
A. God executes his decrees in the works of creation and providence.
8.1. Shall all God's decrees be executed? Yes: for the Lord of hosts hath sworn, surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass, Isa 14:24. Can any of them be defeated? No: for the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? Isa 14:27. Did God execute his decree in the work of creation? Yes: he hath created all things, and for his pleasure they are and were created, Rev 4:11. And does he execute his decrees in the works of providence? Yes: for out of the mouth of the Most High both evil and good proceed, Lam 3:38.
8.2. Did God begin to work in the creation of the world? Yes: Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundations of the earth, Heb 1:10. Is he still working? Yes: for Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work, John 5:17. Are all his works copied out of his counsels? Yes: for they are what his hand and his counsel determine before to be done, Acts 4:28.
8.3. Are God's works many? Yes: O Lord, how manifold are thy works! Ps 104:24. Are they great? Yes: his work is honourable and glorious, Ps 111:3. Are they perfect in their kind? Yes: God is the Rock, his work is perfect, Deut 32:4. Can they be amended? No: whatsoever God doth, nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it, Eccles 3:14. Ought they to be studied? Yes: They are sought out of all them that have pleasure therein, Ps 111:2. Is it a great sin to neglect them? Yes: because they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operations of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up, Ps 28:5.
8.4. Can all God's works be thoroughly discovered? No: for no man can find out the work that God makes from the beginning to the end, Eccles 3:11. Can his designs in them be accounted for? No: for his way is in the sea, and his path in the great waters, Ps 77:19. But is he glorified in them? Yes: all his works do praise him, Ps 145:10.
Q. 9. What is the work of creation?
A. The work of creation is God's making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good.
9.1. Did God create the world? Yes: in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, Gen 1:1. Did he create every thing in the world? Yes: for without him was not any thing made that was made, John 1:3. John 12:7-9. Did he create the world by his word? Yes: for through faith we understand that the
worlds were framed by the word of God, Heb 11:3. Did all things come into being by that word? Yes: for by the word of God the heavens were of old, 2 Pet 3:5. And are they thereby preserved in being? Yes: by the same word they are kept in store, 2 Pet 3:7. Did God find any difficulty in making the world? No: for he spake and it was done; he said, Let there be light, and there was light, Ps 33:9; Gen 1:3. Did he need assistance in it? No: for he stretcheth forth the heavens alone, and spreadeth abroad the earth by himself, Isa 44:24.
9.2. Did he make all out of nothing? Yes: for the things which are seen were not made of the things which do appear, Heb 11:13. Did he bring light out of darkness? Yes: for God commanded the light to shine out of darkness, 2 Cor 4:6. And order out of confusion? Yes: for the earth was without form and void, Gen 1:2. Did he make all in six days? Yes: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, Exod 20:11. Did God make all well? Yes: God saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good, Gen 1:31. Did he make all firm? Yes: he hath made a decree which shall not pass, Ps 148:6. And all for himself? Yes: the Lord has made all things for himself, Prov 16:4.
9.3. Did God make all things by Jesus Christ? Yes: for by him also he made the worlds, Heb 1:2, and created all things by Jesus Christ, Eph 3:9; Col 1:16. John 1:3. Did God manifest his own perfections in the work of creation? Yes: for the heavens declare the glory of God, Ps 19:1. Must we give him the glory of this work? Yes: we must worship him that made the heaven and the earth, Rev 14:7. Must we give him thanks for his creatures? Yes: every creature of God is good, and to be received with thanksgiving, 1 Tim 4:4. May we be encouraged by the work of creation to trust in God? Yes: My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth, Ps 121:2.
9.4. Did God create the angels? Yes: He maketh his angels spirits, Heb 1:7. Are they attendants upon him? Yes: thousand thousands minister unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stand before him, Dan 7:10. Are they employed for the good of the saints? Yes: they are sent forth to minister for them which shall be heirs of salvation, Heb 1:14. Have true believers communion with them in faith, hope, and love? Yes: for we are come to an innumerable company of angels, Heb 12:22.
9.5. Did all the angels continue in their integrity? No: there were angels that left their first state, Jude 6. Is it probable that they who fell, fell by pride? Yes: for they that are lifted up with pride, fall into the condemnation of the devil, 1 Tim 3:6. Were they punished for their sin? Yes: God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, 2 Pet 2:4.
Q. 10. How did God create man?
A. God created man male and female, after his image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
10.1. Is man God's creature? Yes: for we are also his offspring, Acts 17:28. Were our first parents the work of his hands? Yes: male and female created he them, and called their name Adam, Gen 5:2. Was man made with a consultation? Yes: for God said, Let us make man, Gen 1:26. Do all the children of men descend from Adam and Eve? Yes: for God has made of one blood all nations of men, Acts 17:26.
10.2. Was man's body at first made out of the earth? Yes: God made man of the dust of the ground, Gen 2:7. And are our bodies of the earth earthy? Yes: for I also am formed out of the clay, Job 33:6. But are they not curiously wrought? Yes: for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, Ps 139:14. Is God the former of our bodies? Yes: Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and fenced me with bones and sinews, Job 10:11. Is he the author of our senses? Yes: the hearing ear, and seeing eye, the Lord has made even both of them, Prov 20:12.
10.3. Is God the Father of our spirits? Yes: for he breathed into man's nostrils the breath of life, Gen 2:7. Has God
given each of us a soul? Yes: The Lord liveth that made us this soul, Jer 38:16. Is it a rational soul? Yes: for the spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord, Prov 20:27. Is it immortal? Yes: for the spirit of a man goes upward, Eccles 3:21. Does it die with the body? No: for when the dust returns to the earth as it was, the Spirit returns to God who gave it, Eccles 12:7. Is God then the Sovereign of the heart? Yes: for he has said, Behold, all souls are mine, Ezek 18:4. Must we therefore commit our souls to him? Yes: Into thine hand I commit my spirit, Ps 31:5.
10.4. Was man made after God's image? Yes: God created man in his own image, Gen 1:27. Did that image consist in knowledge? Yes: for we are renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created us, Col 3:10. Did it consist in righteousness and true holiness? Yes: for the new man after God is created in righteousness and true holiness, Eph 4:24. Was there in man at first a perfect purity and freedom from sin? Yes: Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, Ezek 28:15 compare Ezek 16:13. Was there in him a perfect rectitude and disposition to good? Yes: for God made man upright, Eccles 7:29. Are there some remains of God's image still upon man? Yes: for men are made after the similitude of God, James 3:9. Was man made with a dominion over the creatures? Yes: for thou hast put all things under his feet, Ps 8:6. Have we not reason to admire God's favour to man? Yes: Lord, what is man, that thou art mindful of him? Ps 144:3.